Finding a good belt

[msparks]

So now that I've begun to get serious about CCW, holsters, mag pouches, etc I have found that I need a better belt.

I had a "so called leather" belt I bought a few years ago, It was 1 1/2" wide and come to find out it was some sort of laminated belt. It started separating and falling apart.

I really didn't want to spend $60-100 for one at this time. So I went on the search. Department store belts were "wimpy" to say the least. There would be no way it would stand up to the rigors of daily use.

I finally came up with a plan to check out Tandy Leather in Nashville. They were all so helpful. I ended up buying a plain leather belt for something like $8.99 and then some protectant stuff that gives it a little shine.

This seems like a well built, thick leather that should hold up for some time. The beauty is that you can buy it and dye it any color you like. I kept mine a natural color. Though I did put it in the sun a couple of days to darken the leather.

I'm thinking of going back and making a black one next. For $9 can't beat that price.

Anyhow just thought I would pass this along. As always do your own Due Diligence. You can check out http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/ to find a store near you or order online.

 

[swinokur]

only place you need to go:

www.thebeltman.net

best gunbelts available IMO

 

[Zundfolge]

msparks, for years I have been fighting against this notion that you have to spend serious coin on a good CCW belt ... I've been buying crappy department store belts that seemed well built and thick but they only last a few months (or less ... had a couple of $10 belts last a few hours).

I finally broke down and ordered a Beltman belt ... I now know what all the hype is about and this belt will probably last longer than I will.

That said the closest thing to an inexpensive alternative is the Amish belt.

Maybe your Tandy belt will work well (I believe the issue there is that certain cuts of leather are better than others so its hit-and-miss on getting a good cut from Tandy) but I'd start squirreling away a little bit here and there and eventually order a Beltman belt.

 

[msparks]

Thanks for the info.

Will see how long this one last then maybe upgrade. I do need a black one though so will get that next.

Thanks for the links. I still say the one I have is pretty good quality leather. It's thicker than the stuff at department stores.

 

[Paladin38-40]

Under $10? Er, ah...

There are several recent good gun belt threads you may want to "search" as part of your research seeing as how you are serious. Many have crossed the bridge before ye. As I told my son when he was growing up: You can learn from the mistakes of others, or learn from your own.

 

[Gig 'em]

I looked at every belt manufacturer I could find. I was impressed by a lot of belts, but not a lot of prices... I went with A&G Custom Gun Leather (http://www.agcustomgunleather.com) and have been VERY pleased. Excellent custom belt in about a week. He advertises 3-4 weeks but often is quicker. I called up Al, who was exceptionally helpful btw, and told him what I was looking for and some of my concerns. $70 and a week later I received a beautiful piece of craftsmanship in the mail. He stands behind his work 100%. He also has "Quick Ship" belts that are out the door the next day. Fewer options, but faster.

I should say that I have no affiliation, relationship, or otherwise with A&G. I am just a very satisfied customer.

Afterthought: You can always check opticsplant.com. The other day, I picked up 2 safariland gun belts for $27 each on sale. Stock can be hit and miss, but if they have it, often, you can find a good deal. Good luck in your search.
-Gig 'em-

 

[earlthegoat2]

I have a Belt Man and I bought an A&G as referenced above for my sweetie. Both are incredible and well worth their pricetags.

I despise Instructor belts though they do have a place as long as you have given up on appearance.

 

[SCBradley]

I attempted making my own leather belt from scratch using materials from Tandy. It looked great and worked well for a while but ended up stretching pretty quickly. Whether it was the chemicals used in the tanning process on cheaper leather or the wrong cut I don't know.

I ended up going back to a Wilderness 5 stitch.

 

[hardluk1]

Look for a leo supply store in your area. Many belts to choice from at real prices and have many choices to pick from. I bought a nice 1 3/4" black 2 ply for less than 30 bucks and could have may choice of buckle.

 

[JTQ]

Hey, if your screen name is msparks, I don't know why you wouldn't go here.

http://www.miltsparks.com/

 

[ForumSurfer]

The 5.11 tdu belt works for me...paid too much for it at gander, $20.

If your rig is heavier...you can get the instructor belt (kevlar reinforced) for around $45. Far more comfortable than leather for daily wear IMO

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Seventy bucks for a quality gun belt is one seventh to one tenth of the price of the average quality handgun. (There I go again, preaching. ) If its appearance fits with your clothing and social situation, a Wilderness belt is around $40-ish, and offers the additional advantage of infinite adjustability.

 

[arflattop]

The beltman is highly recommended as is UBG. I have both and they can support anything I carry.

 

[possum]

Ares Gear, The Ranger belt. That is all.

 

[Frozen North]

I have all kinds of belts, but the one on me always seems to be a Wilderness frequent flier. The frequent flier beats the instructor unless you plan on climbing something.... I do not plan on climbing something! The buckles are nearly weightless and the belt is infinitely adjustable.

Some call them fugly.... I make it look good

 

[armoredman]

Will be checking out a High Noon Rock Steady belt shortly.

 

[Gordon]

Buy a $65 Liger belt and you will have it the rest of your life! I have 6 , in all colors but I still wear my first of about 10 years ago , an OD one, with 5.11 cotton OD pants. I have Milt Sparks and Tony Lama belts (for fancy) , but trust me I wear the Ligers every day. They get better as they age! I can support more on a 1.5" Liger than I can on a 1 3/4 Leather belt. You have to go p to a heavy 1 3/4 Riggers belt or a 2"+ Sam Browne or dedicated western gun belt to support more weight comfortably and you cannot CCW those. The Liger is thin enough it goes thru most loops easily. Did I say I like Liger Belts? Me and every body I introduced them to like them above anything else for CCW.

 

[PabloJ]

Walmart carries 'Faded Glory' work belts that supposed to handle up to 160lb of pull. Not sure how it would hold up but the price is $12/belt. With inexpensive belts pot metal buckle usually gives first.

 

[remingtondude58]

I wear a Wilderness Frequent Flyer every day, I really like this belt, as I have problems with metal belt buckles irritating my skin. It is not to expensive, and seems to work very well!

 

[JTQ]

Will be checking out a High Noon Rock Steady belt shortly.

I'm looking forward to your report. I've had good success with High Noon, but I'm concerned about how thick the "Rock Steady" appears.

 

[AK_Maine_iac]

+1 on the Frequent Flier belt. Have worn mine every day for the past five years and it is still going strong. I got the 5 stitch. I think it would support a VW. Plus the belt is airport friendly. No more removing the belt or the buckle every time.